Painting Holiday 2018 and 2019

Mike will be a visiting tutor at The Watermill, Fivizzano, Italy (Northern Tuscany) between 8th - 15th September 2018 and 29th June - 6th July 2019.

Please scroll down .........For further information, please visit; www.watermill.net.As well as contacting the owner of this venue, please contact Mike if you would like more information.

Mike has considerable experience as a tutor.

For seventeen years Mike was Head of Art at two different independent schools. Additionally he taught adults, mostly from his own studio in Devon for over twelve years. Although his own practice is primarily in drawing, painting and printmaking, he has taught a broad range of media including photography, sculpture and the History of Art. He has, for many years, taken groups (young people and adults) abroad for painting and cultural visits.

In 2014 Mike moved to Dorset and gave up day-to-day teaching to concentrate on his own work. He does, however, continue with some teaching such as tutoring at the Watermill and at demonstrations and workshops in the South West of England.

Course Photo - Watermill, September 2017

Painting in Tuscany, Italy

29th June - 6th July 2019

2019 will be Mike's tenth visit to The Watermill.In 2017 he ran a hugely successful course and his 2018 course is now fully booked. He has agreed to return in 2019.Below are two comments, sent to Mike, after his 2017 course:

" Thank you so much, Mike, for your wonderful, encouraging tuition during our week at the Watermill. What a precious place it is to be immersed in art. You gave us a great week, striking the balance between demonstration and encouragement - all helping us to get going. My paintings are set out on my kitchen table and they bring back great memories of the places we painted. JH

"My wife and I would like to say a very big 'thank you' for such an enjoyable week at Posara. Mike - I learned so much from your tuition and hope that I can put it into practice. I came back full of enthusiasm and will now loosen up my style". MG

Mike will be tutoring in watercolour, gouache, acrylic and drawing as well as encouraging the use of a sketchbook.

For centuries artists have drawn their inspiration from the Tuscan landscape and you could find few better places to enjoy your art and improve your skills than this beautiful historic watermill, set beside a river in a gentle valley.

“An enchanting place - I really loved it, endless delightful subjects to paint” “From the moment I stepped into my apartment and saw and heard the river, I realised it was going to be very special.”

“We’ve been on many painting holidays, but this was the best ever.”

"I came away from that week really refreshed and more than ever wanting to get on and do more. Mike's enthusiasm for the pleasure and the practice of art is both obvious and contagious."

You will stay in stylish bedrooms in elegant buildings around the sunlit courtyard. You’ll take leisurely breakfasts and mouth-watering evening meals in the new courtyard dining room (and also dine out in nearby restaurants to sample traditional dishes and local wines). The mill’s gardens, secluded millstream paths and riverside walks are all yours to enjoy.